Cozy Crockpot Potato Soup with Sausage – Hearty and Delicious for Fall
As the leaves begin to turn amber and the air grows crisp, there’s nothing quite like the warmth of a hearty soup to welcome the season of cozy sweaters and pumpkin-spiced treats. Every time I make my Cozy Crockpot Potato Soup with Sausage, I am transported back to my childhood, where I would gather around the kitchen table with my family, inhaling the rich, savory aromas wafting from my mom’s trusty slow cooker. The moments spent enjoying her creamy potato soup are some of my fondest memories, and now, I’m thrilled to share this comforting recipe with you!
This creamy delight is not just an easy weeknight dinner; it truly embraces the heart of fall with its golden hues and tender potato chunks. Plus, the slow cooker does all the work for you, allowing flavors to meld beautifully while you enjoy your day. This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Slow cooker magic means it tastes like it simmered all day.
- Hearty and satisfying soup loaded with wholesome ingredients.
- Perfect for chilly nights and busy weeknights alike.
- Family-friendly and sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
- A wonderful way to use up your fall harvest potatoes and fresh herbs.
What You’ll Need
Here’s your full list of flavorful, wholesome ingredients to make this creamy crockpot potato soup:
- 1 lb Italian-style sausage (mild or spicy – your choice)
- Use a chicken or beef-based version if avoiding traditional Italian sausage blends
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 cups potatoes (peeled and diced into ½-inch chunks)
- Fresh parsley or green onions (chopped for garnish)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning blend
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
- ½ cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
Let’s Make It Together
This soup is simple to prepare but tastes like it simmered on the stove all day—thanks to the magic of the slow cooker!
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the Italian-style sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned. This step not only enhances the flavor but also fills your kitchen with that delightful aroma of sausage sizzling.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Once the sausage is browned, add the finely chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute. These aromatic ingredients are key to building a delicious base for your soup.
Step 3: Load the Crockpot
Transfer the browned sausage, onion, and garlic mixture into the crockpot. Add the diced potatoes, chicken broth, salt, black pepper, and thyme or Italian seasoning blend. Give it a good stir to mix everything together.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. As the soup cooks, the potatoes will become tender, and the flavors will meld together beautifully.
Step 5: Add Cream and Cheese
When you’re ready to serve, pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half and stir until well combined. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt into the warm soup, creating a creamy, luscious texture.
Step 6: Optional Mash
For an extra creamy soup, you can use a potato masher to mash some of the potatoes in the crockpot. This will give your soup a thicker consistency while still leaving some chunky bites.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy this comforting bowl of goodness on a chilly fall evening!
Delicious Variations to Try
- Spicy Kick: If you love heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the onions and garlic for an extra zesty flavor.
- Creamy Dream: Swap out the cheddar cheese for cream cheese for an even richer, creamier texture, making each spoonful indulgent.
- Veggie Boost: Add in some chopped carrots or celery for added nutrients and color, making your soup even heartier.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary or dill in place of thyme for a different flavor profile that brightens the soup.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead: Pre-cook the sausage and veggies a day ahead for a super quick dinner prep.
- Storage Suggestions: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply heat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
- Freezing: This soup freezes beautifully! Allow it to cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Ingredient Swaps: If you want to lighten up the recipe, use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage for a healthier option.
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
Serving size: 1 cup
Calories: 350
Carbohydrates: 32g
Sugar: 3g
Fat: 20g
Protein: 12g
Sodium: 600mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! You can prepare all the ingredients the night before and refrigerate them. Just add them to the slow cooker in the morning, and you’ll have it ready by dinner time.
Can I use different ingredients?
Yes! Feel free to customize with your favorite sausages, broths, or vegetables. You could even try a vegan sausage for a plant-based twist.
How do I store leftovers?
Make sure to let the soup cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep for about 3 days.
How long does it last?
When properly stored, this soup can last up to 3 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer.
Wrapping It Up
This Cozy Crockpot Potato Soup with Sausage is a true embodiment of comfort food, bringing families together over laughter and warmth. Each bowl is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of the flavors of fall and the love we put into our kitchens. The combination of creamy potatoes, savory sausage, and melted cheese is perfect for family gatherings or a simple cozy night in.
Save this Cozy Crockpot Potato Soup with Sausage – Hearty and Delicious for Fall to your recipe board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat! Happy cooking!
Cozy Crockpot Potato Soup with Sausage
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian-style sausage (mild or spicy) Use a chicken or beef-based version if avoiding traditional Italian sausage blends.
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 cups potatoes (peeled and diced into ½-inch chunks)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning blend
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
- ½ cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
Garnish
- to taste fresh parsley or green onions (chopped)
Instructions
Preparation and Cooking
- In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the Italian-style sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned.
- Once the sausage is browned, add the finely chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
- Transfer the browned sausage, onion, and garlic mixture into the crockpot. Add the diced potatoes, chicken broth, salt, black pepper, and thyme or Italian seasoning blend. Stir to mix everything together.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- When you’re ready to serve, pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half and stir until well combined. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and allow it to melt into the warm soup.
- For an extra creamy soup, use a potato masher to mash some of the potatoes in the crockpot.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or green onions before serving.
